Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether easements in respect of universal credit introduced in response to the covid-19 outbreak will remain in place for the duration of that outbreak; and what discussions she has had with claimant groups on ensuring that the most vulnerable people are supported during that outbreak.

Last year, the Department for Work and Pensions introduced a number of easements for Universal Credit claimants, to ensure they could continue to be supported while there were restrictions on face-to-face interaction. Some of these easements are still in place, while others have reverted back to business-as-usual procedures.

Additionally, to provide financial support with essential living costs to vulnerable people and those hardest hit during the COVID 19 outbreak, the Government is delivering an unprecedented package of support, injecting billions into the welfare system. This includes the temporary uplifts to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits, and boosting Local Housing Allowance by almost £1bn.

DWP provides a range of support to help vulnerable people, especially during the Covid period. Throughout the pandemic, Jobcentres have remained open for anyone who needs face-to-face support and cannot be helped in any other way, which includes all vulnerable claimants, and we have increased the number of work coaches to enable us to continue supporting vulnerable claimants and working with partners to ensure they get the help they need.

DWP regularly meet stakeholders in order to update them on a range of issues and will continue to do so.